Questions About Vet for Gordon

[sandeejs]

So, it was time for Gordon (9 year old male Quaker) to get his yearly vet check. Actually, it was overtime, but who's counting?

So, the vet comes in, and states that the usual life span for these guys is ten years, so Gordon is an "elder bird". She suggests he have blood work done. I okay it, as long as I don't have watch. They do it, and tuck him into his travel box. I pay and leave. In the parking lot I check my phone to confirm that Quakers average life span is more than 10 years.

When I get him home, his face is covered in blood! Cleaned him up, and looked to make certain he wasn't still bleeding.

Gordon stopped talking for almost 4 months. He is just now getting back to his pre-visit ways.

I am very disinclined to return to that vet.

Any thoughts?

~Sandee~

 

[Owlet]

I had a similar experience with my CAV on saying Lincoln was an elder even though he is only 15. They said something along the lines of being required to but I cannot remember the reason why they were required to.

The blood on the face is very odd... if he wasn't injured or anything my only guess would be maybe some of the blood after the draw leaked out of the syringe into his face or something? But that makes me question why they didn't clean his face or mention it to you. IMO you should have a good relationship with your vet and feel comfortable with them, and it sounds like you aren't comfortable with this vet anymore so maybe search out a new one?

 

[Jen5200]

I agree with Owlet - I’d probably search out a new vet personally. Having blood work done periodically is not a bad thing, but I’m not sure I’d be comfortable with the resulting bloody face and possible trauma that took so long for him to get over. Was this an avian vet you saw, or just one who sees birds? I would try for a certified avian vet (CAV) if you are wanting to try a new one. https://www.aav.org/search/custom.asp?id=1803 This is a good website to locate avian specialized vets near you.

 

[sandeejs]

I don't think the original vet that we used to see is still there. She/they got my cockatiel, Wenkebach through pneumonia.

The blood thing bothered me, but I was really upset about the vet not being informed about the average lifespan of a Quaker. Makes me worry what else she do doesn't know.

As I think about it, Gordon has had blood drawn there before, and only sulked for a for a few hours.

 

[ChristaNL]

Why not just call them/ go there and ask?

Then you (a) will know if your good vet is still there and (b) someone will tell you what happened.
If your good vet is no longer there... start searching for another.

(That is exactly why most birdowners will insist to stay with their birds every second of the visit/ if you cannot stand the sight of blood just turn around for those few seconds, you will still be able to hear what is going on.)

I am so sorry for the scare Gordon and you both had (on different levels, but still, you both sound so shocked wish I could help.)

 

[cnyguy]

A QP potentially has a lifespan of 30 years or more. I know of many Quakers over 10 years old, some between 20 and 25 years old. The oldest I've known of personally lived to be 31.
I can understand that you may have lost confidence in the vet that last examined Gordon. Under the circumstances, you may want to look for a different vet for Gordon's future care.

 

[john8terry]

So, it was time for Gordon (9 year old male Quaker) to get his yearly vet check. Actually, it was overtime, but who's counting?



So, the vet comes in, and states that the usual life span for these guys is ten years, so Gordon is an "elder bird". She suggests he have blood work done. I okay it, as long as I don't have watch. They do it, and tuck him into his travel box. I pay and leave. In the parking lot I check my phone to confirm that Quakers average life span is more than 10 years.



When I get him home, his face is covered in blood! Cleaned him up, and looked to make certain he wasn't still bleeding.



Gordon stopped talking for almost 4 months. He is just now getting back to his pre-visit ways.



I am very disinclined to return to that vet.



Any thoughts?



~Sandee~

Find a new CAV. Be sure to ask for Gordon's records. The Lord blessed me by directing me to Consuela's doctor: Very close to my digs, she earned her DVM from the best veterinarian program in the immediate universe (Texas A&M), and she is owned by a QP. Find a new CAV. LIKE YESTERDAY.

Sent from my SM-J320V using Tapatalk

 

[GaleriaGila]

Will this help?

Most of us swear by our avian vets in the event of health concerns.
Certified Avian Vets
https://abvp.com/animal-owners/find-an-abvp-specialist/
If none are near you...
Avian Veterinarians
http://www.aav.org/search/custom.asp?id=1803
In my opinion, any of the vets listed here should be better than a regular vet.
International contacts, too.

 

[Laurasea]

I'm Glad Gordon is ok. Always trust your instincts, and never be afraid to stop the vet visit and walk out. We as people never want to rock the boat, but it's ok to jump ship . Since almost all parrots live longer than ten years hearing a vet say that would raise red flags for me!
I had a vet visit with an avain specialist with years of experience, who I won't be visiting again. My Green cheek Conure smelled of yeast, and was sleeping during the day ( abnormal for her) and not taking baths, when she normally takes one every other day if not daily. The vet told me she was fine, but she could smell the yeast too but said it was only in her feathers. She wanted me to spray get with chlorahexadine ( would have damaged her eyes) and after spending hundreds in testing, said if I was so convinced she was sick she would give me baytril.... Ugh!!! Members here warned me about the spray, abd recommended probiotics. After feeding the probiotics and yogurt she stopped smelling of yeast and recovered!
Ok a bit of a rant,
I'm glad Gordon is ok, and recovered from the trauma. There are plunty of wonderful life saving vets out there. Just trust your instincts, and ask questions. Parrots are so fragile and unique, and it's worth driving farther and spending more to get the best care. Have you posted pics? Cuz I live quakers!